MDC has insisted it is committed to the operationalisation of the Coalition of Democrats (Code) ahead of the 2018 elections.
NewZim
In a statement circulated last Friday, Welshman Ncube’s party dispelled accusations that it is frustrating efforts towards the implementation of Code, which is aimed at uniting the opposition against Zanu PF in next year’s election.
MDC secretary-general, Miriam Mushayi said the party has been taking all steps necessary to ensure the coalition becomes a reality.
“Firstly, we reiterate the MDC’s unwavering commitment to the building of an inclusive coalition of all national and democratic opposition political parties, which share the desire to see the end of the painful and ruinous rule of Zanu PF,” she said.
Parties that signed the initial Code agreement are Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn led by Simba Makoni, the MDC, Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe led by Elton Mangoma, Democratic Assembly for Restoration and Empowerment and Zimbabweans United for Democracy.
The conspicuous absence of MDC-T and ZimPF — parties believed to command the largest following in opposition politics — at the signing ceremony made analysts believe the pact was doomed to failure.
Discussions have so far failed to make progress, as the opposition parties disagree on who should the lead the coalition.
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With Morgan Tsvangirai’s party recently releasing its proposed terms for the coalition, which suggest the strongest candidate leads the coalition, rivals have accused the party of bringing a “big-brother mentality” to the Code talks.
Mushayi argued the coalition has been receiving support from the MDC party’s leadership through organs such as the standing committee and national council, who made sure there are resolutions to support the effort.
“Collectively these resolutions instructed the leadership to take all necessary steps to engage all national political parties willing to engage on the tasks of building an all-inclusive coalition,” she said.
“In compliance with these resolutions, the MDC leadership has been and continues to be engaged in bilateral and multilateral conversations within all political parties willing to engage.”
The party’s national council, its highest organ between congresses, tasked the standing committee end of last year to expedite negotiations with parties who are already in Code and those still outside.
Mushayi said MDC remains hopeful opposition parties can agree and synergise efforts ahead of next year’s harmonised elections.
“If we fail in these endeavours it would not be out of not trying.
“We have responded proactively to the strong public sentiment to work with others notwithstanding historical and current differences and disagreements,” she said.
